How To Grow Basil

Plant: Annual

Height: 30-60cm

Soil: Moderately Rich, Moist

Exposure: Sun

Propagation: Seeds

Uses: Culinary

Growing: All basils can be grown in full sun or semi-shade and a warm, moderately rich soil. They should not be fertilized as flavour is likely to be sacrificed for lush growth. Water regularly to keep growth succulent and the leaves fresh. Indoors, basil requires sun and should be pinched occasionally to keep growth bushy. Basil grows readily from seeds sown in the spring as soon as the ground is warm.

The basils are attractive annual herbs with a sharp, spicy flavour and long history of use. There are several species, but the plants most commonly grown for culinary and ornamental values are O. basilicum and its varieties.

Sweet basil (O. basilicum) grows to about 60cm high and has shiny green leaves that are 2-4cm long. Small white flowers grow in spikes at the ends of the stems. If the stem tips are pinched out frequently, sweet basil will grow bushy and full, making it an attractive border plant. This species is the most popular one for cooking. The variety ´Dark Opal´ won an All-America bronze medal for its decorative, purple-bronze foliage and spikes of small lavender-pink flowers.

Bush basil (O. b. minimum) has more branches and a more compact growth than sweet basil. The leaves are much smaller, and the edges curl inward toward the centre vein. It grows to about 50cm tall.

Basil has a rich history, but the stories about it often are contradictory. In Italy, basil is associated with sympathy and compassion which is supposed to arise between those who wear sprigs of it. In other countries, basil is a sign of love and devotion between young couples

The leaves have a spicy, clove-like flavour that is an excellent complement to such foods as eggs, cheese, fish, poultry, stuffing’s, salads, meats, and spaghetti. It is especially good in tomato dishes. Use either the fresh or cured leaves. Preserve them by freezing or packing in salt. (You might try chopping the fresh leaves and adding a little olive oil before freezing them.)

Opinions and statements expressed on this site are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Dig IT and their associates. If you find an objectionable comment, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will take appropriate action as soon as possible.

Dig It Projects Franchising Ltd would like to bring to your attention that some of the designs and all of the products that are depicted in these pictures are covered by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1998.

Adjust font size :

Cookies onour website

We use cookies on this web site to ensure you receive the best user experience. If you continue to use this site without changing your settings, we will assume you are happy to receive all cookies that we use. For more information on the cookies we use please follow this link to our cookie policy.